Southwest Michigan Today: Thursday January 10, 2019

As the state Legislature opens its 100th session, a proposed change to civil asset forfeiture has bipartisan support. A Democrat is elected Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, despite a Republican majority. WMU women’s basketball can’t overcome a slow start.

(Michigan Radio) The Michigan legislature is beginning its 100th legislative session. Wednesday was mainly ceremonial with state lawmakers taking their oaths of office. But clashes are expected as Michigan’s new Democratic governor and Republican led-legislature bring different policy objectives.

(Michigan Radio) One proposal is starting the year with bipartisan support. It would make changes to Michigan’s civil asset forfeiture law. Currently Michigan police may seize cash, cars or other property from people suspected of crimes even if they’re never convicted of committing a crime. New legislation would require a conviction for police to seize property worth up to $50,000

(WKAR) Michigan State University Trustees have voted to establish a fund to assist survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse with counseling costs. The vote follows a month of protest after the school closed the original fund in December. Critics of the board are still demanding trustees waive attorney client privilege for the Attorney General’s investigation into how MSU internally handled information about Nassar, and an open presidential search. Trustees Wednesday elected Dianne Byrum as the new chair of the Michigan State board, and Dan Kelly as their vice chair. In women’s basketball,

Western Michigan fell behind 17-5 after one quarter and went on to a 72-59 loss Wednesday night to Akron. The Broncos are now 7-6 overall and have split their first two Mid-American Conference games. Western will play Eastern Michigan Saturday afternoon in Ypsilanti.